Vintage victory: University of Graz receives fundraising award for book sponsorships

In order to preserve historical works for future generations, the University of Graz has launched a fundraising campaign that has now been honoured. Photo: University of Graz/Restoration

The University of Graz wants to preserve 2500 years of knowledge with donations. The project has now been named Science Fundraising Campaign of the Year.

Whether lecture hall chairs, beehives or books: the University of Graz is making efforts to finance research infrastructure from private funds. The project "2500 years of knowledge - book sponsorships at Graz University Library", which was supported by the Content Performance Group GmbH (Cope) with a social media campaign, received the prize for the science fundraising campaign of the year sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Science. Beatrice Weinelt, Head of Alumni, Career and Fundraising, accepted the award in Vienna.

"The University of Graz is regarded as a flagship in Austrian university fundraising and is not only aimed at alumni, but also at the general public through the simple presentation of scientific topics," was the jury's explanation. The idea behind the campaign also received praise: the initiative secures the book treasure and makes its importance for society and research visible.

The Fundraising Awards have been presented by the Fundraising Association Austria for 30 years and are intended to highlight outstanding achievements in communication with donors.

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Group photo with the fundraising award: Kajetan Stransky-Can (BMBWF), Beatrice Weinelt (University of Graz), Ruth Williams (Managing Director of Fundraising Association Austria) and Monika Feiel (COPE).

Beatrice Weinelt (2nd from left) accepted the award on behalf of the University of Graz from Ruth Williams (2nd from right), Managing Director of the Fundraising Association Austria. Katejan Stransky-Can (l.) from the Ministry and Monika Feiel (r.) from COPE joined in the celebrations. Photo: Ludwig Schedl

Dagmar Eklaude

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